Stockport NHS Foundation Trust will pay nearly £30 million after accepting their negligence led to a baby suffering catastrophic injuries.
In what is believed to be the second largest settlement in a medical negligence claim against the NHS, the Trust admitted breach of duty and causation, which together amount to a full admission of liability.
The award (capitalised at £29.3 million) was approved at the High Court in London this week to be satisfied on a lump sum basis and with annual payments for all care and case management costs. The precise terms of the settlement are the subject of an anonymity order.
Although the baby was born seemingly healthy, shortly after birth there were signs that she was in distress and due to a series of negligent omissions in her post-natal care and ultimately the delay in performing surgery, she sustained catastrophic and life changing injuries in the form of cerebral palsy.
Commenting on the case, Bill Braithwaite KC said:
“This young girl’s life has changed forever and the impact on the whole family has been devastating. They waited a number of years for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust to admit liability and faced the prospect of a trial at court until we finally reached a settlement. Justice has now been done and they can finally look to the future knowing her lifelong needs are provided for.”
A statement for the trust given to the BBC said “We hope that the settlement will provide the family with some comfort and reassurance for the future and will help with the care and other support that they need.”
